Meet Your New Miss International - Elise Banks!

In a world of increased stress and demands on our time, Elise Banks is determined to encourage everyone to develop healthy lifestyles that contribute to good mental health. Her platform, Healthy Mind - Successful Life, is an outreach initiative she founded to help others understand the power they have to create mental health, and to help remove the stigma of asking for help. During her reign, Elise’s goal is to create more awareness of mental health issues, helping to find tangible ways for all individuals to lead productive and healthy lifestyles.

As Miss International 2015, Elise works with middle- and high-school-aged students to give them tools for effectively coping with common teen stressors and adolescent issues, and she collaborates with the National Alliance of Mental Illness to conduct information sessions on staying mentally healthy for students and parents. She also serves as the company spokesperson for H.U.G.S. Autism, and she partners with the D12 Foundation, the non-profit founded by the Houston Rockets' Dwight Howard, to encourage people to make positive choices in their lives. Elise also works with the Houston-area Go Red for Women organization, a movement of the American Heart Association, serving as a keynote speaker on women's heart and health issues.

Elise's commitment to her mission is a very personal one: At the age of 9, she watched her grandmother pass away from Alzheimer's Disease. Elise decided that her life's work would be furthering mental health, so in addition to raising funds and acting as a legislative advocate for the Alzheimer's Association, Elise also became a licensed counselor, committing herself both personally and professionally to the issues that surround mental health.

Elise earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Baylor University and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from the University of Houston, where she graduated with honors.

Committed to a heart-healthy lifestyle, Elise loves using her daily workouts to keep her mind and body healthy. She enjoys running, boxing and weight training. Elise also loves to travel and scrapbook her trips, and she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Elise is a member of Lakewood Church, and she resides in Houston.